The Newcastle Knights will host the West Tigers on a Monday night to start their 2013 NRL campaign.

The NRL will be launched on Thursday March 7, with the Roosters taking on the Rabbitohs.

The Australian Rugby League Commission released the NRL draw this morning.

After hosting just one Sunday game in 2012 the Knights' request for more Sunday afternoon games has been answered.

Five of Newcastle's home games will be on a Sunday.

Club CEO Matt Gidley says the Sunday time slot is more family friendly.

"We know this will please our many passionate families and we are delighted to be able to showcase the majority of our 2013 home games on Sundays," he said.

The Knights will round out the regular season with a home game against the Parramatta Eels and club's traditional 'Old Boys' celebrations.

Gidley says it will also an ideal opportunity for all of Newcastle to say farewell to Club legend Danny Buderus.

But the club has expressed some disappointed with the draw to the NRL.

The Knights play two Monday night games in the first four rounds.

After hosting the Tigers in round one, the Knights will play another Monday night game in Newcastle in round three against the North Queensland Cowboys.

Gidley says it means the Knights will play their mandatory Monday night games early in the season when the weather is warmer.

"While I have expressed my frustration to the NRL at our mandatory two Monday night games featuring in our first two home games, this will allow our Members and supporters significant time to plan to ensure they can still attend both events," he said.